The first graph illustrates respondents' answers regarding the frequency of library visits. About one third reported going to the library "Very Often" or "Often." With a college-aged sample, these numbers make sense. However, about a third reported visiting the library "Rarely." These students probably use online resources much more often, and I believe this graph reflects the growing trend of students rarely walking through the doors of their ilbrary; students now are tending to make better use of online resources.
The second chart is a bar graph about HOW people use the library. The majority of respondents reported using the library for "Finding Research," or "Quiet Study." Interestingly enough, these activities represent two ends of the spectrum: what technology improves, and where technology falls short. Online databases make research significantly more accessible and convenient. However, the minimization of square footage for quiet study could be a negative side effect as libraries put more space aside for technology.
The third graph is another pie chart. This really surprised me! The question asked students about their interest in handheld reading devices that use online books. I would have expected a much greater curiosity about the new technology, especially considering the younger average age of the sample. Almost half replied that they would rather "read something on paper." This response seems to reinforce the hypothesis that no amount of technology will ever be able to replace the traditional concept of the bookshelf-filled library.
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